Posterior instrumented correction and fusion of Scheuermann´s results in physiological reconstruction of sagittal alignment and excellent overall clinical outcome- clinical trail of 73 patients.

Objective: The aim was to assess the clinical outcomes after posterior spinal fusion (PSF) in patients with Scheuermann's disease (SD).

Methods: SD undergoing PSF were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical outcome was determined using SRS-22- and Eq. 5D-questionaires preop and after 3, 12, 24 months after surgery. Whole spine x-rays were analyzed (preop, postop, after 6, 12, 24 months): sagittal and coronary Cobb angles, and pelvic parameters were evaluated; ideal lumbar lordosis (LL) was calculated using formula of le Huec (LL = 0.54*PI + 27.6). Surgical time, complications and blood loss were compared. Postop appearance of proximal (PJF) and distal junction failure (DJF) were calculated. Values were given as mean. Comparison with significance α = 0.05.

Results: 73 patients were included. SRS-22 total score and EQ5D showed significant increase from preop to two-year FU (each p < 0.001). Preop Thoracic kyphosis (TK) was 75.1° with significant correction to 48.5° (p < 0.001). LL showed mean correction from 68.2° to 46.7° (p < 0.001). Difference between ideal and measured LL showed improvement from - 17.2° preop to -3.3° 6 month postop, good spontaneous correction of hyperlordosis. 63% had < 10° deviation from ideal LL 6 month postoperatively, whereas only 21.4% were in this range preoperatively. No significant changes for spinopelvic parameters during FU. Complications occurred in 13,7% of cases. A low revision rate for PJF (2,7%) was necessary. Subscore mental health showed a correlation to preop TK (p < 0.05).

Conclusions: Physiological reconstruction of sagittal alignment could be achieved in most cases (63%). Clinical FU results were convincing with significant improvement of patient's satisfaction. Complication rate was moderate and risk of PJF after PSF low.